Christianity:
1. Why might Korea under the Confucian Chosŏn dynasty have been an especially fertile
ground for Christianity to take root?
Confucianism promotes social hierarchy. In such a community, those who belong to a lower social class would seek for change; they would want a religion that values equality. The essence of Christianity was fortunately equality of all human beings regardless of their gender and occupation. Thus, women and people of lower social status particularly supported the spreading of Christianity.
2. What other religion that existed in Korea might have appealed to lower classes in a similar
manner as Christianity? How might this other religion have been hindered in attracting new
followers?
Because the regime of Koryo was corrupted, the newfound regime of Choson as well as its people, including people of lower social status, would have been attracted to legalism: a philosophy that promotes the “rule of law.” They would have thought that, had legalism been implemented earlier, the government would have been less corrupt.
3. Why did the government care which religion people practiced?
If the people supported a religion that went against its principles, its legitimacy would be questioned. Thus, in order to have better control of its people, the government tried to control religion. In many cases, religions have been used as a tool and had planted an impetus to overthrow governments.
Shamanism:
People believe in Fortune-telling and Shamanism because they want somewhere to rely on in their hard times and because the fortune telling has some truth in it and people think that they can get relieved from it. Also, with those papers that the people give, they will be able to get good luck. The people’s internal conflicts drive people to believe in this ritual.
The attitudes of the Korea University students about fortune-telling and Shamanism are very indifferent; they seem to have no interest whether Shamanism is right or wrong. Without being indignant, they accept why some Korean elders go visit Shamanism.
Our group's reaction was very similar to the Koreans in the interview. We did not grow indignant and disrespect our elders, but rather understood that there are some elders
List three questions your group could ask the students.
1. Is there any difference in fortune-telling and Shamanism?
2. What justification would Shamanist give to prove that they are logical?
3. Does going to Shamanist relieve the stress?
The Catholics and Christians don’t necessarily respect Shamanism but some Korean Christians still visit clairvoyant foreseers in order to better understand their fate and future.
Legalism:
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
The law is the supreme governing authority. Han Fei’s ideal state emphasizes the “rule of law”: no one, including the rulers, should be above the law. Thus, Han Fei has parallel with the Western philosophers, including John Locke.
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
The Two Handles are chastisement and reward: they are an integral part of a legalist state. Without it, the ruler will not have legitimacy and power and, thus, will struggle to keep his regime in control. Therefore, Han Fei says that power needs to be centralized; he seems to champion an authoritarian rule. Similarly, devolution of power is dangerous: rulers should not give up sovereignty, as ministers will put self interest ahead of the country and its laws.
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
In his ideal state, the community or the country should come before the individual. Thus, as some Senators or Representatives in the United States do, taking action just for the sake of getting re-elected would not be accepted in Han Fei’s ideal state. Similarly, the patron-clientelism in Mexico would be frowned upon. Lastly, corruption, in no doubt, would also not be tolerated.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
Like those of many other countries that take such approach, the people of China at the time were probably sick of elites abusing their power. Examples that come to mind are France before the French revolution and England before the Magna Carta.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
What is the purpose of good government?
Daoism: the purpose of a good government is to follow.
Legalism: the purpose of a good government is to centralize power, and make laws legitimate.
Confucianism: the purpose of a good government is to use the mandate of heaven, and to respect followers.
What role does morality play in formulating law?
Daoism: laws should not tell people what to do
Legalism: laws should transcend individual needs
Confucianism: laws should promote those who deserve it, demote those who don’t.
What are the qualities of a superior ruler?
Daoism: Leaders are not intellectual; they follow nature and wuwei; they are not over-ambitious; they don't lead, rather they let things be the way they are. Leaders should not “legislate morality” and “meddle” with the economics of its country.
Legalism: Leaders do not put himself above the law, yet have the most power in his regime; thus, he does not devolve power to his followers and is very independent.
Confucianism: A good ruler follows the mandate of heaven. He also respects meritocracy as well as the hierarchal system of society. He should also try to maintain connection to his past.
Essential Questions:
In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
One of the most inspiring people I have met told me to “not face the storm, because that will make me blinded by the rain.” To me the first quote means the same thing: if I try to hard to define, categorize, study what is around me, I might miss the bigger picture. Granted, I might understand somethings, but as Lao Tzu has said, such things are “merest traces” of the “original” problem or material - I’m trying to solve only the mystery of things, not the mystery of the mysterious. Thus, instead of desperately grabbing whatever information we can find and trying to pry open our eyes, we should accept that “it just is what it is.”
Similarly, in Christianity, people are discouraged from questioning God or their faith. God is there and God exists - it is what it is.
See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
Not honoring men of worth seems to directly relate to the meritocracy system of Confucianism. Not wanting rare things and not paying attention to the desirable has parallels with removing desire, a core element of Buddhism.
In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
To me, it seems to warn us against pretentiousness. Many braggarts pump their chests up, walking with a swag. Taoism is trying to tell us that one should not only have solid foundations in one’s endeavors but also be humble about it as well. This is contrasting between reinforcing one’s chest and one’s abdomen as well as strengthening your muscle and your bones. The core is more important than the shell. Gentling the will and relaxing the mind means that one should not care about what others think thus, should not feel the need to impress others.
Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
A government with socially liberal and financially conservative. In such state, governments should not “legislate morality” and “meddle” with the economics of its country. One of the most famous leader who advocated such approach was Bill Clinton. He led his country to success. If all governments were shaped like his, I wouldn’t see a problem with such regimes.
Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
Lao Tzu is trying to show that ambition might be a deleterious characteristic. People who are laid back and down to earth can earn more respect than those who try too hard. I don’t agree at all: I think people should have a dream and should strive to achieve it. There is a dangerous thin line between indifference and laid back. Rather than risking oneself in indulging in the former, one should just generally try hard and seize the day.
Poem:
Why does the author choose a butterfly?
What is the importance of the water cycle?
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
1. The butterfly in this poem is shown as an equal of man. The author asks, "Which is real?" because the butterfly and the man are strikingly similar. The man and the butterfly are alike because they both strive to become better individuals. They both go through metamorphosis and change.
2. The river demonstrates the power of nature. Nothing that we, humans, do, will change the course of the river. It will always flow from the mountains to the oceans. Thus, the river implies that we should not fight against our fate.
3. The man raising the melons is someone who still tries to fight fate. He is depicted as someone trying to regain his previous social status and power. The author suggests that such actions are not only unnecessary but also foolish.
4. The author is trying to show readers that fate is predetermined and, thus, is inevitable to avoid. Consequently, one must not squander effort in trying to change fate but rather, should 'flow' with it.
Taoism:
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The three Vinegar Tasters are, in fact, Confucius, Buddha and Lao-Tse. Vinegar is a metaphor for life. Confucius thinks that life is sour, Buddha thinks that its bitter while Lao-Tse believes that life is sweet. Thus, the painting illustrates the different perspectives of the three leaders of Asian philosophers and religion.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
Life, itself, is sweet. However, it is up to one to interpret life and to make the best of one’s life. Thus, they say that one must we should “appreciate, learn from and work with whatever happens in daily life.”
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
P’u, the uncarved block, basically means that objects are better in their original state: they maintain their original beauty and are not spoiled. He compares the characters of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate the concept.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
“From the state of uncarved block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet and the natural and the plain; along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously.”
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
Taoists regarded Confucianists as ants ruining a picnic, trying to pick up food pieces from up above. Taoists didn’t think that scholars are wise because learning about a specific subject won’t enable one to see the holistic picture of things.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Confucianists are represented by the Owl while the Taoist is represented by Winnie the Pooh.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
People who study “for the sake of studying, keeps his learning to his own small group, writes pompous and pretentious papers that no one else can understand, rather than working for the enlightenment of others.”
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
They are different: knowledge that is based on experience is more valuable than those that are not.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
It blames the mind of the Uncarved block; however, it is not justified because such problems were caused by the scholar’s own near-sightedness and limitations.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness refers to knowledge that you have sought and obtained in life, used to mechanically examine life, whilst Inner Nature is more pure, basic logic.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
Knowing your Inner Nature is important because it means that you know how to make your life happy. If there is a wedding, or even a more modern example, school course that you are unhappy with, yet are still taking for some reason, there is obviously something wrong.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
If you know your problems and how to deal with them, then it's more likely to be more adept in dealing with the problems, while a man who has no experience will fail as soon as something goes wrong.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
It sorts of resembles bliss in ignorance. If we keep delving into pointless matters whilst still hardly knowing what we mean, then nothing will be accomplished. If we simply work with things as they are, then things would be better.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
They either end up going astray because Brain distorted their correct path, or they are led by someone else.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
Taking our life in our own hands, taking charge. Instead of following someone else's vision for us, we choose and modify our own path. We find what we don't like, either not include it, modify it to fit us, or try to use it to our benefit.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
Utilizing the Way of Self-Reliance, we can maximize both our happiness and benefits in life by eliminating all negative things and finding the correct path for ourselves. Then we work with Things As They Are, and not waste our time on pointless questions that we hardly understand.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It's going with the flow. Not forcing things, not going against the system to get something to happen, no meddling. It's just allowing things to happen, and going along with the flow.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote means that Tao does not cause things to happen, but things happen. It means that things just happen, and Tao goes along with it.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi is very passive, compared to other martial arts. Instead of punching and kicking your way to victory, you wear your opponent down by dodging or deflecting his moves, and when the time is right, you throw them off balance. 20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94) No but I have similarities with him, such as I like athletic characteristics. You can see that he is concerned in physical fitness in the passage where it says “The Athletic sort of Backson- one of the many common varieties- is concerned with physical fitness,” 21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104) His view of American history is extraordinary. Bisy Backson thinks that progress is fighting and overcoming. Real progress involves growing and developing (changing inside) which Bisy Backson is unlikely to do. He thinks that the have to change everything and everyone except himself. 22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109) He has practically no time because he is too busy wasting them by trying to save it, and when he does that he wastes the whole time. “Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.” 23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9) A belief in Taoism that a person can have a long life of youthful appearance, outlook and energy and it comes out in stories, considered as the Secrets of Life. 24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111) Goals make us go through a process, successful progress will make us wise, happy but if we do a process that is sort of wrong in a way, then it will make us miserable, angry, confused. 25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9) The was a Stonecutter who was jealous of merchant’s power. He became a merchant, then he became jealous of high official so he became a high official. Then, the became jealous of a sun so he became a sun, then the cloud, then the wind, then the stone. He eventually figures out that the strongest position was the stonecutter. One should be satisfied by itself. 26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128) “From caring comes courage”, this statement is siginificant because it says that knowledge doesn’t really matter when you want to become clever. You need both wisdom and compassion in order to become like the statement. 27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137) In order to find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage, you have to start appreciate who you are and what you’ve got. 28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143) In order to unlock the wisdom, happiness, and truth, there needs a key. The key is nothing. Nothing is considered something and considered important, that is really nothing, called the “Great Nothing” 29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7) “Empty sort of mind” is very valuable according to Taoism because they believe that Emptiness cleans out the messy mind and charges up the batteries of spiritual energy. 30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9) The meaning is apprehensible by just reading the quote. Chuang-tse explained by talking about Yen Hui and the master. Yen Hui said he forgot the rules of Righteousness and the levels of Benevolence. He also said that the was making progress that the forgot the Rituals and the Music. Master still thought that he was not perfect. Then Yen Hui said that he will sit down and forget everything and the master questions why. Then Yen Hui says that the forgets his body and senses and leaving appearance and information behind. Then master says that he found the Way.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
When we know more as we grow, our minds are befuddled with this knowledge. Enlightened ones and children are truly happy because they are pure in mind, and they follow Wu Wei. They tend not to force things, they just happily go along with them. 32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154) They can destroy life because they make us look so desperately hard for something in a wrong way and to the wrong place. They are allowed to go on wrecking things.
What do religion and philosophy have in common and why is the study of religion and philosophy important?
Both religion and philosophy tell people how to live; however, philosophy, unlike religion, focuses more on what it means to be human and a member of society. Religion, in contrast, talks about how to live life in order to achieve a higher status in one's afterlife. Therefore, it is important to study religion and hpilosophy as understanding such moral and social compasses will ehlp us understand why peole act the way they do. Similarl, comprehending foundations of Confucianism is key to realizing why Koreans emphasize respect and formality with elders.
Christianity:
1. Why might Korea under the Confucian Chosŏn dynasty have been an especially fertile
ground for Christianity to take root?
Confucianism promotes social hierarchy. In such a community, those who belong to a lower social class would seek for change; they would want a religion that values equality. The essence of Christianity was fortunately equality of all human beings regardless of their gender and occupation. Thus, women and people of lower social status particularly supported the spreading of Christianity.
2. What other religion that existed in Korea might have appealed to lower classes in a similar
manner as Christianity? How might this other religion have been hindered in attracting new
followers?
Because the regime of Koryo was corrupted, the newfound regime of Choson as well as its people, including people of lower social status, would have been attracted to legalism: a philosophy that promotes the “rule of law.” They would have thought that, had legalism been implemented earlier, the government would have been less corrupt.
3. Why did the government care which religion people practiced?
If the people supported a religion that went against its principles, its legitimacy would be questioned. Thus, in order to have better control of its people, the government tried to control religion. In many cases, religions have been used as a tool and had planted an impetus to overthrow governments.
Shamanism:
People believe in Fortune-telling and Shamanism because they want somewhere to rely on in their hard times and because the fortune telling has some truth in it and people think that they can get relieved from it. Also, with those papers that the people give, they will be able to get good luck. The people’s internal conflicts drive people to believe in this ritual.
The attitudes of the Korea University students about fortune-telling and Shamanism are very indifferent; they seem to have no interest whether Shamanism is right or wrong. Without being indignant, they accept why some Korean elders go visit Shamanism.
Our group's reaction was very similar to the Koreans in the interview. We did not grow indignant and disrespect our elders, but rather understood that there are some elders
List three questions your group could ask the students.
1. Is there any difference in fortune-telling and Shamanism?
2. What justification would Shamanist give to prove that they are logical?
3. Does going to Shamanist relieve the stress?
The Catholics and Christians don’t necessarily respect Shamanism but some Korean Christians still visit clairvoyant foreseers in order to better understand their fate and future.
Legalism:
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
The law is the supreme governing authority. Han Fei’s ideal state emphasizes the “rule of law”: no one, including the rulers, should be above the law. Thus, Han Fei has parallel with the Western philosophers, including John Locke.
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
The Two Handles are chastisement and reward: they are an integral part of a legalist state. Without it, the ruler will not have legitimacy and power and, thus, will struggle to keep his regime in control. Therefore, Han Fei says that power needs to be centralized; he seems to champion an authoritarian rule. Similarly, devolution of power is dangerous: rulers should not give up sovereignty, as ministers will put self interest ahead of the country and its laws.
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
In his ideal state, the community or the country should come before the individual. Thus, as some Senators or Representatives in the United States do, taking action just for the sake of getting re-elected would not be accepted in Han Fei’s ideal state. Similarly, the patron-clientelism in Mexico would be frowned upon. Lastly, corruption, in no doubt, would also not be tolerated.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
Like those of many other countries that take such approach, the people of China at the time were probably sick of elites abusing their power. Examples that come to mind are France before the French revolution and England before the Magna Carta.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
What is the purpose of good government?
Daoism: the purpose of a good government is to follow.
Legalism: the purpose of a good government is to centralize power, and make laws legitimate.
Confucianism: the purpose of a good government is to use the mandate of heaven, and to respect followers.
What role does morality play in formulating law?
Daoism: laws should not tell people what to do
Legalism: laws should transcend individual needs
Confucianism: laws should promote those who deserve it, demote those who don’t.
What are the qualities of a superior ruler?
Daoism: Leaders are not intellectual; they follow nature and wuwei; they are not over-ambitious; they don't lead, rather they let things be the way they are. Leaders should not “legislate morality” and “meddle” with the economics of its country.
Legalism: Leaders do not put himself above the law, yet have the most power in his regime; thus, he does not devolve power to his followers and is very independent.
Confucianism: A good ruler follows the mandate of heaven. He also respects meritocracy as well as the hierarchal system of society. He should also try to maintain connection to his past.
Essential Questions:
In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
One of the most inspiring people I have met told me to “not face the storm, because that will make me blinded by the rain.” To me the first quote means the same thing: if I try to hard to define, categorize, study what is around me, I might miss the bigger picture. Granted, I might understand somethings, but as Lao Tzu has said, such things are “merest traces” of the “original” problem or material - I’m trying to solve only the mystery of things, not the mystery of the mysterious. Thus, instead of desperately grabbing whatever information we can find and trying to pry open our eyes, we should accept that “it just is what it is.”
Similarly, in Christianity, people are discouraged from questioning God or their faith. God is there and God exists - it is what it is.
See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
Not honoring men of worth seems to directly relate to the meritocracy system of Confucianism. Not wanting rare things and not paying attention to the desirable has parallels with removing desire, a core element of Buddhism.
In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
To me, it seems to warn us against pretentiousness. Many braggarts pump their chests up, walking with a swag. Taoism is trying to tell us that one should not only have solid foundations in one’s endeavors but also be humble about it as well. This is contrasting between reinforcing one’s chest and one’s abdomen as well as strengthening your muscle and your bones. The core is more important than the shell. Gentling the will and relaxing the mind means that one should not care about what others think thus, should not feel the need to impress others.
Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
A government with socially liberal and financially conservative. In such state, governments should not “legislate morality” and “meddle” with the economics of its country. One of the most famous leader who advocated such approach was Bill Clinton. He led his country to success. If all governments were shaped like his, I wouldn’t see a problem with such regimes.
Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
Lao Tzu is trying to show that ambition might be a deleterious characteristic. People who are laid back and down to earth can earn more respect than those who try too hard. I don’t agree at all: I think people should have a dream and should strive to achieve it. There is a dangerous thin line between indifference and laid back. Rather than risking oneself in indulging in the former, one should just generally try hard and seize the day.
Poem:
1. The butterfly in this poem is shown as an equal of man. The author asks, "Which is real?" because the butterfly and the man are strikingly similar. The man and the butterfly are alike because they both strive to become better individuals. They both go through metamorphosis and change.
2. The river demonstrates the power of nature. Nothing that we, humans, do, will change the course of the river. It will always flow from the mountains to the oceans. Thus, the river implies that we should not fight against our fate.
3. The man raising the melons is someone who still tries to fight fate. He is depicted as someone trying to regain his previous social status and power. The author suggests that such actions are not only unnecessary but also foolish.
4. The author is trying to show readers that fate is predetermined and, thus, is inevitable to avoid. Consequently, one must not squander effort in trying to change fate but rather, should 'flow' with it.
Current Event:
Taoism:
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The three Vinegar Tasters are, in fact, Confucius, Buddha and Lao-Tse. Vinegar is a metaphor for life. Confucius thinks that life is sour, Buddha thinks that its bitter while Lao-Tse believes that life is sweet. Thus, the painting illustrates the different perspectives of the three leaders of Asian philosophers and religion.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
Life, itself, is sweet. However, it is up to one to interpret life and to make the best of one’s life. Thus, they say that one must we should “appreciate, learn from and work with whatever happens in daily life.”
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
P’u, the uncarved block, basically means that objects are better in their original state: they maintain their original beauty and are not spoiled. He compares the characters of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate the concept.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
“From the state of uncarved block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet and the natural and the plain; along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously.”
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
Taoists regarded Confucianists as ants ruining a picnic, trying to pick up food pieces from up above. Taoists didn’t think that scholars are wise because learning about a specific subject won’t enable one to see the holistic picture of things.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Confucianists are represented by the Owl while the Taoist is represented by Winnie the Pooh.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
People who study “for the sake of studying, keeps his learning to his own small group, writes pompous and pretentious papers that no one else can understand, rather than working for the enlightenment of others.”
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
They are different: knowledge that is based on experience is more valuable than those that are not.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
It blames the mind of the Uncarved block; however, it is not justified because such problems were caused by the scholar’s own near-sightedness and limitations.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness refers to knowledge that you have sought and obtained in life, used to mechanically examine life, whilst Inner Nature is more pure, basic logic.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
Knowing your Inner Nature is important because it means that you know how to make your life happy. If there is a wedding, or even a more modern example, school course that you are unhappy with, yet are still taking for some reason, there is obviously something wrong.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
If you know your problems and how to deal with them, then it's more likely to be more adept in dealing with the problems, while a man who has no experience will fail as soon as something goes wrong.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
It sorts of resembles bliss in ignorance. If we keep delving into pointless matters whilst still hardly knowing what we mean, then nothing will be accomplished. If we simply work with things as they are, then things would be better.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
They either end up going astray because Brain distorted their correct path, or they are led by someone else.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
Taking our life in our own hands, taking charge. Instead of following someone else's vision for us, we choose and modify our own path. We find what we don't like, either not include it, modify it to fit us, or try to use it to our benefit.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
Utilizing the Way of Self-Reliance, we can maximize both our happiness and benefits in life by eliminating all negative things and finding the correct path for ourselves. Then we work with Things As They Are, and not waste our time on pointless questions that we hardly understand.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It's going with the flow. Not forcing things, not going against the system to get something to happen, no meddling. It's just allowing things to happen, and going along with the flow.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote means that Tao does not cause things to happen, but things happen. It means that things just happen, and Tao goes along with it.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi is very passive, compared to other martial arts. Instead of punching and kicking your way to victory, you wear your opponent down by dodging or deflecting his moves, and when the time is right, you throw them off balance.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
No but I have similarities with him, such as I like athletic characteristics. You can see that he is concerned in physical fitness in the passage where it says “The Athletic sort of Backson- one of the many common varieties- is concerned with physical fitness,”
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
His view of American history is extraordinary. Bisy Backson thinks that progress is fighting and overcoming. Real progress involves growing and developing (changing inside) which Bisy Backson is unlikely to do. He thinks that the have to change everything and everyone except himself.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
He has practically no time because he is too busy wasting them by trying to save it, and when he does that he wastes the whole time. “Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.”
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
A belief in Taoism that a person can have a long life of youthful appearance, outlook and energy and it comes out in stories, considered as the Secrets of Life.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
Goals make us go through a process, successful progress will make us wise, happy but if we do a process that is sort of wrong in a way, then it will make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The was a Stonecutter who was jealous of merchant’s power. He became a merchant, then he became jealous of high official so he became a high official. Then, the became jealous of a sun so he became a sun, then the cloud, then the wind, then the stone. He eventually figures out that the strongest position was the stonecutter. One should be satisfied by itself.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
“From caring comes courage”, this statement is siginificant because it says that knowledge doesn’t really matter when you want to become clever. You need both wisdom and compassion in order to become like the statement.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
In order to find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage, you have to start appreciate who you are and what you’ve got.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
In order to unlock the wisdom, happiness, and truth, there needs a key. The key is nothing. Nothing is considered something and considered important, that is really nothing, called the “Great Nothing”
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
“Empty sort of mind” is very valuable according to Taoism because they believe that Emptiness cleans out the messy mind and charges up the batteries of spiritual energy.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
The meaning is apprehensible by just reading the quote. Chuang-tse explained by talking about Yen Hui and the master. Yen Hui said he forgot the rules of Righteousness and the levels of Benevolence. He also said that the was making progress that the forgot the Rituals and the Music. Master still thought that he was not perfect. Then Yen Hui said that he will sit down and forget everything and the master questions why. Then Yen Hui says that the forgets his body and senses and leaving appearance and information behind. Then master says that he found the Way.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
When we know more as we grow, our minds are befuddled with this knowledge. Enlightened ones and children are truly happy because they are pure in mind, and they follow Wu Wei. They tend not to force things, they just happily go along with them.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
They can destroy life because they make us look so desperately hard for something in a wrong way and to the wrong place. They are allowed to go on wrecking things.
Confucius:
Confucius Say... + Other groups
Confucius Skit
Buddhism:
Comparison Chart of Buddhist Schools or Sects #2.pages
Zen Buddhism Recording
Script
Citation
Religion vs. Philosophy:
What do religion and philosophy have in common and why is the study of religion and philosophy important?
Both religion and philosophy tell people how to live; however, philosophy, unlike religion, focuses more on what it means to be human and a member of society. Religion, in contrast, talks about how to live life in order to achieve a higher status in one's afterlife. Therefore, it is important to study religion and hpilosophy as understanding such moral and social compasses will ehlp us understand why peole act the way they do. Similarl, comprehending foundations of Confucianism is key to realizing why Koreans emphasize respect and formality with elders.